Paul Calvert President
3:03 pm
Earlier in question in time today Senator Vanstone referred to the Australian Labor Party as the ‘now nearly racist Labor Party’. A point of order was taken by Senator Evans. I did not rule on the point of order, but on reflection I realise that former presidents have made rulings on that issue. I quote:
... offensive words against a group of members of either House may be regarded as a worse offence than directing such words to an individual member.
Under those circumstances, on reflection, I ask the minister to withdraw that comment.
Amanda Vanstone SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
I withdraw, Mr President.
Stephen Conroy Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Mr President, I raise a point of order on that ruling. I was asked to withdraw calling an individual a hypocrite yesterday, and Senator Ian Campbell just called Labor a group of hypocrites.
Paul Calvert President
Take your seat, Senator Conroy. We do not need to have a debate on this. I have made my ruling, I have asked the minister to withdraw and she has withdrawn.
Stephen Conroy Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Mr President, my point of order was about Senator Ian Campbell’s comments just a moment ago, when he called Labor a pack of hypocrites. I was asked to withdraw the word ‘hypocrite’ yesterday.
Paul Calvert President
I am sorry, Senator Conroy. I did not hear that. If Senator Ian Campbell referred to Labor as hypocrites, I ask him to withdraw it, under that standing order.
Ian Campbell WA, Liberal Party, Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Mr President, I totally withdraw it.